Dame de Coeur 2018: Notre-Dame Cathedral Like You’ve Never Seen Before

In November 2017, Notre Dame had another monumental event in its long history: An incredible illumination presentation emblazoned on the front façade. Bruno Seillier, who has created and directed similar light shows in other historic sites including Invalides and Avignon, mounted his biggest presentation yet at Notre Dame. A smashing success, Seillier was invited again in 2018 to create a new show and the theme this year is the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. We went to see the show opening night on October 18 and it was spectacular. Historic commentary and rousing music on loudspeakers accompanied the illuminations and the crowd gasped in awe as the church changed color and pattern from moment to moment. After 25 minutes, the show on the outside ended and in a dramatic stroke, the middle doors parted slowly in a haze of white smoke. Entering the cathedral, the seats were removed, making way for the crowds to view the walls, vaulted ceilings, nave, choir, columns, organ, and the ceilings bathed in royal blue and golden light. The 25-minute show features 17 sound and light scenes plus eight projectors placed in the Notre-Dame plaza and 80 inside the cathedral. Story synopsis: On a battlefield in 1917 we are in the dark, about to attend a meeting between a young French nurse and a dying American soldier. At the twilight of his life, he tells her he regrets he never could visit Notre Dame. Through a historical, and mystical dialogue, these two souls find each other and discover the Notre-Dame mystery that’ll be their “Dame de Coeur”. Dame de le Coeur plays two times a night, 7:30PM and 9:30PM, until October 25. Entry is free but a donation to the cathedral is requested. Click this link to order tickets.